***SAFETY NOTE: Your name and city will appear on a public website when you sign.***

The version of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) that is currently being considered by the U.S. House of Representatives (H.R. 4970) does not meet the needs of victims and survivors.  In particular, the bill:

       • Weakens or deletes entirely some of the vital improvements in the Senate bill, including the strong provisions that are designed to increase the safety of Native women and the needs of the LGBT community.

       • Contains dangerous provisions that would jeopardize the safety of immigrant victims seeking to report crimes by eliminating important confidentiality protections, undermining effective anti-fraud protections and rolling back years of progress.

       • Grows excessive and costly bureaucracy that will divert resources which could be used for direct victim services.

       • Dilutes emergency housing transfer protections and eliminates requirements that victims be informed of their housing rights.

We must urge Wisconsin’s Members of Congress to oppose this version of VAWA and to work with survivors, advocates and legislators of both parties to address these serious problems with H.R. 4970. Economic analysis has shown VAWA saves billions of dollars and countless lives. We should be looking to build upon the historic success of this legislation—not rolling back commonsense safety measures. Victims and survivors in Wisconsin deserve a VAWA that works for all of the individuals and communities of our state.  If you are from Wisconsin and care about victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking, please sign this petition.